Thursday, November 20, 2008

I grew up in the Western United States and since living on the East Coast, I've noticed some major differences. Well, of course there's the humidity, the usually fair Autumn weather, the southern accents and the confederate fanatics. But there's also a bit of a difference in Holiday decoration.

Last Thanksgiving weekend, I visited Colonial Williamsburg and was so enamored with the Christmas decorations on every single window and door. Fresh apples, citrus fruits, greenery and ribbons made up the most beautiful wreaths and hangings. I was so inspired that I purchased a book over the summer, "Christmas Decorations from Williamsburg". It's chock full of gorgeous photos, instructions for probably a hundred decorative items, and recipes. It's so much fun to look through!

Since I'm just getting in the Christmas mood, I wanted to share some of these fun holiday decorations with you. Maybe I think they're so attractive because they remind me of the simpler times when Christmas wasn't a commercial holiday.

This style isn't unique to Williamsburg, but has spread throughout the state as well. I just got back from a day of making Boxwood wreaths for a nearby Country Club. It was such a fun time! And last night I was with a women's group and we put together centerpieces for our holiday tables with fresh greens. My dear adopted mother here is an expert florist!

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Has there ever been a boutique that you found on the internet that you want to visit so badly that it hurts? I found one of those!

Through my little blogging world, I came up on the Mari Robeson Style blog and just fell in love! Then I realized that this is the same Mari that has been featured in many, many magazines including my favorite, Romantic Homes. She and her boutique were featured in the "Shop Keeper's" section in May of this year. I had seen a gorgeous photo of her boutique and wished I didn't live on the opposite side of the country as her Arroyo Grande, California store location.

Anyhow, I came upon her blog and commented on one of her fun entries. Then, before I knew it, she was contacting me to see if she could purchase my products wholesale to sale in her boutique! Needless to say, I didn't hesitate a bit. We spoke for a few minutes over the phone and she was such a kind, fun person. We instantly connected! (I love it when that happens!)

If you are lucky enough to live near the village of Arroyo Grande, please stop by for a visit and tell Mari that Jenni B sent you!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

I am honored to be joining many, many of my friends from Cupid's Charm for this fabulous Marie Antoinette Birthday Soiree. Let me share with you the "Let Them Eat Cake" cake, designed especially for this event!

I traveled all the way to France to gather relics to adorn this cake ode to Mademoiselle Marie on her special day. These chandelier crystals were taken from the famed Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, Queen Marie Antoinette's home outside of Paris. Pages of vintage French text were hand cut and attached to the sides. These pages could, perhaps, be actual words of Marie but since I cannot read French they very well may be about bugs and insects. And yards of ribbon from Marie Antoinette's favorite ball gown were removed and carefully recrafted to grace her 253rd Birthday Cake. If you have read through the end of this paragraph, you'll know that this description has definitely been fictionalized!

Marie Antoinette's famous words, "Let Them Eat Cake" had to be on the cake somewhere! They are placed across the pennant on the top of the cake. Frivolity was was one of the things Marie Antoinette did the best and that's what was in mind as I created this confection. Glitter, tinsel, lace, jewels, ribbon, rhinestones...

Thank you for joining me for the Marie Antoinette Birthday Soiree. If you are interested in a custom cake similar to Marie's just contact me! And please, please visit Joy at her award-winning blog, Cupid's Charm for a list of other participants in this birthday party to see creativity from Marie Antoinette fans from all over the world!

Some interesting facts about Marie Antoinette:

She was one of 16 children and was the 15th childShe was only 38 years old when she passed awayThe saying "Let Them Eat Cake" was actually fabricated and was something she never saidMarie Antoinette was the last queen of France